Cuprian tourmaline is one of the most extraordinary and valuable gemstones in the world—renowned for its almost electric, glowing colours.

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What is Cuprian Tourmaline?

• A type of tourmaline that contains copper (Cu) as a trace element

• The copper is what gives it its intense neon glow

• First discovered in the late 1980s in Paraíba, Brazil

• Often referred to as “Paraíba tourmaline” (especially for the original Brazilian stones)

Colour & Visual Impact

• Signature colours:

  • Electric blue

  • Neon turquoise

  • blue-green / teal

  • Rarely violet or green variants

• Known for a “neon” or internally lit appearance, it almost looks like it’s glowing

• This effect is due to copper + manganese in the crystal

Sources

• Original and most prized: Brazil (Paraíba state)

• Other sources:

  • Mozambique

  • Nigeria

• Brazilian stones are typically rarer and more valuable, but top Mozambique stones can rival them

Physical Properties

• Hardness: 7–7.5 (more durable than tanzanite)

• Clarity: Often included (inclusions are common and accepted)

• Cut: Usually faceted to maximise brilliance and colour

Value & Rarity

• Among the most expensive coloured gemstones

• High-end stones can reach tens of thousands per carat (or more for top Brazilian material)

• Value depends heavily on:

  • Colour (vivid neon blue/green = highest)

  • Origin (Brazil premium)

  • Size (large clean stones are extremely rare)

 Treatments & Identification

• Many stones are heat-treated (standard practice)

• True cuprian tourmaline must be confirmed by lab testing (to detect copper content)

• Beware of mislabelled stones—“Paraíba” is sometimes used loosely in the trade

Why It’s So Special

• The neon glow is unique—no other gemstone displays colour quite like it

• Extremely limited supply and declining availability

• Considered a collector’s gemstone and strong investment-grade material

Simple Comparison

• Tanzanite: softer, colour-shifting blue/violet

• Cuprian Tourmaline: brighter, neon blue/green, more durable, far rarer (especially top-grade)